Michigan State Defensive End Suspended For Wisconsin Game

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 17: Cierre Wood #20 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish rushes past William Gholston #2 of the Michigan State Spartans to score a touchdown during the first half September 17, 2011at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by John Gress/Getty Images)

Cierre Wood #20 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish rushes past William Gholston #2 of the Michigan State Spartans to score a touchdown during the first half September 17, 2011at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by John Gress/Getty Images)

Michigan State defensive end William Gholston has been suspended for Saturday’s game against No. 4 Wisconsin by the Big Ten because he threw a punch at a Michigan player last weekend.

This is a blow to the No. 15 Spartans, because Gholston has 20 tackles in six games and is second on the team in tackles for loss with seven.

Video showed Gholston wisting the helmet of Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson during a pileup. It also showed him taking a swing at a Michigan lineman on another play, and he appeared to hit the player’s face or neck.

“I deeply regret momentarily losing my composure late in the third quarter of last Saturday’s game against Michigan,” Gholston said Thursday in a statement released by the school. “Although provoked, my response was inappropriate. Coach (Mike) Dantonio regularly reminds us that actions have consequences, and I will be better prepared to handle these circumstances in the future.”

Athletic director Mark Hollis praised Dantonio and the coaching staff for “immediately pulling” Gholston out of the game to talk with him.”